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Ground Ivy

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Ground Ivy


Botanical Name

Glechoma hederacea L.

Common Name

Creeping Charlie,Creeping Jenny, cat's foot

Family

Lamiacae

Parts Used

Whole Herb

Native To

Eurasia

Harvesting Guidelines

The whole plant is best harvested early in the growing season, ideally around May, when the flowers are still fresh and vibrant. This is when ground ivy’s medicinal and nutritional value is at its peak.

Harvesting Process:Ground ivy is best harvested on a dry, sunny day. It can be gathered by hand or using scissors to snip off the leaves, stems, and flowers. After harvesting, the plant can be used fresh or dried. When drying, ensure it is done in a shaded area with good airflow to preserve its medicinal properties.

Storage:Once dried, ground ivy should be stored in a cool, dark place in airtight containers such as glass jars or paper bags. It can be used throughout the year, particularly for making teas or tinctures.



Origin and History:

Ground Ivy, also known as Creeping Charlie, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has long been regarded for its medicinal properties. In traditional herbal medicine, ground ivy has been used for a variety of purposes, particularly for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive health benefits. It has a rich history in both European and Native American herbal practices, where it was valued not only for its medicinal properties but also for its role in folklore and cultural rituals.


Folklore and Traditional Uses:


In folklore, ground ivy was associated with various mystical and protective qualities. It was believed to have the ability to ward off evil spirits, and it was often used in charm bags or hung above doorways. In certain cultures, ground ivy was also considered a plant of love and fertility, sometimes used in rituals to invoke harmony and affection.


Among Native American tribes, the Cherokee utilized ground ivy for its medicinal properties, especially for treating respiratory issues, colds, and skin ailments (1). Meanwhile, in Portuguese folk medicine, ground ivy was prized for its ability to control menstruation and was consumed in soups to help with postpartum recovery (2). The herb’s use in traditional remedies continues in modern herbalism, where it is often recommended for mild respiratory and digestive issues.


Medicinal Uses and Benefits


1. Respiratory Health and Colds:Ground ivy is traditionally used as a remedy for respiratory issues such as persistent coughs, colds, and bronchial congestion. It has pectoral and expectorant properties, helping to relieve chest tightness and expel mucus. It was also used to alleviate catarrh, a condition involving excessive mucus production (3).

2. Anti-inflammatory and Diuretic Properties:Ground ivy’s diuretic properties make it useful for kidney complaints, urinary tract issues, and fluid retention. It helps stimulate urine production, aiding the body in expelling excess fluids. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory effects, which make it beneficial for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases (4).

3. Skin Conditions and Wounds:Topically, ground ivy has been applied to bruises, black eyes, and tumors. The plant’s vulnerary and astringent properties help promote healing and reduce inflammation in wounds. It has been used in poultices for abscesses and other skin conditions (3).

4. Nutritional Benefits:Historically, ground ivy was consumed as a food due to its high vitamin C content. It was used in salads and soups during the spring months when vitamin C was in high demand. Modern research confirms that ground ivy contains a significant amount of antioxidants, including tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which help protect the body from oxidative stress (2).

5. Antioxidant Properties:Research shows that ground ivy is rich in antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals in the body. This makes it a potential ally in protecting against conditions related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease and aging (4).


Scientific Studies


1. Antioxidants and Vitamin Content:A study published in LWT - Food Science and Technology by Barros et al. (2010) confirmed that ground ivy contains high levels of vitamin C and vitamin E. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, making the herb beneficial for overall health and potentially useful in preventing chronic conditions related to oxidative damage. The study reported 168g of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) per gram and a significant amount of tocopherols (vitamin E) in dried ground ivy (2).


2. Anti-inflammatory Properties:In-vitro research by Barros et al. (2010) also demonstrated that ground ivy possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for treating inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The ability of ground ivy to reduce inflammation was observed in laboratory settings, which supports its traditional use in addressing inflammatory health issues (4).


3. Diuretic and Kidney Health:Ground ivy’s diuretic properties are well-documented, with traditional use aimed at kidney complaints and urinary tract infections. The herb helps increase urine production and expel toxins from the body. Studies in the field of traditional medicine also support its use for fluid retention and other kidney issues. This was historically used for treating conditions like edema and urinary tract infections (3).



Adult Dose


  • General Use: 2g dried ground ivy, taken 3 times per day.

  • Tincture: 2-4 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol), 3 times per day.

  • Infusion: One cup of tea made by steeping 2-4g of dried ground ivy in 150 mL of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Drink 3 times per day.


Safety

Ground ivy should be used with caution in certain circumstances due to its potential abortifacient properties. Pregnant individuals or those trying to conceive should avoid using this herb. Additionally, ground ivy may absorb contaminants from the environment, so it is crucial to avoid harvesting it from areas that may be contaminated with lead or other harmful substances.

Although ground ivy is generally considered safe, it contains small amounts of pulegone, a compound that can be toxic to the liver in high doses. It is not recommended to use ground ivy in combination with pennyroyal, which contains much higher levels of pulegone. For individuals with sensitive livers or a history of liver issues, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider before use (6).

Actions

Abortifacient,Anticatarrhal,Antiinflammatory,Antioxidant,Antiscorbutic,Astringent,Depurative,Diaphoretic,Digestive,Diuretic,Emmenagogue,Errhine,Expectorant,Pectoral,Stimulant,Stomachic,Tonic,Vulnerary


Energy

Cooling


References:


(1)Moerman, D. (2003). Native American Ethnobotany: A database of plants used as drugs, foods, dyes, fibers, and more, by Native Peoples of North America. [Website]. Retrieved on 10/20/2015 from http://herb.umd.umich.edu/

(2)Barros, L., Heleno, S. A., Carvalho, A. M., & Ferreira, I. C. (2010). Lamiaceae often used in Portuguese folk medicine as a source of powerful antioxidants: Vitamins and phenolics. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 43(3), 544-550.

(4)Barros, L., Heleno, S. A., Carvalho, A. M., & Ferreira, I. C. (2010). Lamiaceae often used in Portuguese folk medicine as a source of powerful antioxidants: Vitamins and phenolics. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 43(3), 544-550.

(5) Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman

(6)USDA, NRCS. (2015). The PLANTS Database [Online Database]. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. Retrieved on 10/19/2015 from http://plants.usda.gov.




Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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